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VDC Time Study

VDC Time Study Activity Schema

This schema provides a comprehensive overview of the various activities involved in VDC, categorizing them into key areas such as Modeling & Shop Drawing Creation, Internal Management & Coordination, External Management & Coordination, and Fabrication Support. Each category further details specific tasks and processes, offering a structured approach to understanding VDC workflows and scopes. Brief explanations of the schema can be found below the schema diagram. For detailed explanations of the schema and the development process, please refer to the paper (available soon).

 

1. Modeling and Shop Drawing Creation (Refers to the creation, validation, and management of digital representations of the project’s physical and functional characteristics)

    • Initial Preparation and Modeling (Activities for creating new models)
      • Initial Preparation (Setting up the modeling environment involves initial steps such as reviewing contractual documents and understanding modeling specifications, establishing a computerized environment including shared data platforms, grid lines, and file organization systems. For the BIM execution plan, please refer to Create and Refine BIM Execution Plan)
      • Initial Design & Modeling (Creation and conversion of preliminary models based on the project’s design intent and contract documents)
      • Model Validation (Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the developed model against the intended design)
    • Shop Drawing Submittal
      • Shop Drawing Generation (Generating shop drawings entails the production of detailed drawings or sheets, which includes the process of adding annotations, dimensions, and tags to these documents)
      • Prepare Model for Shop Drawing Submittal (This activity involves getting a digital model ready to be submitted as shop drawings. It includes finalizing the design details, annotations, and any necessary specifications within the model to ensure it meets the required standards and accurately represents the construction or manufacturing details needed for approval or further processing)
    • Model Update and Version Control (The time spent on the process of making modifications to a digital project model and systematically managing its multiple versions to track changes, prevent data loss, and ensure that team members are working with the most recent and accurate representation of the project)
      • Model Revision (Making necessary modifications to the model to reflect any design changes; this can be due to RFIs, design change, or 3D coordination)
      • Model File Management (File management and secure backing up files)
    • Post-construction modeling
      • As-built model creation (Updating models to reflect the project’s final constructed state for documentation purposes)
      • Asset Data Creating and Management (This involves establishing and maintaining a record of assets, along with their specific characteristics, such as brand, model, and serial number)

2. Internal Management & Coordination (Addresses the organizational aspect of a project, including internal operations and external stakeholder interactions)

    • Internal Project Management
      • Task Assignment and Tracking (Assigning responsibilities and tracking the status of project tasks)
      • Planning and Scheduling (Setting up and organizing the project timeline and milestones)
      • Management Guidelines (Establishing standard procedures for the project, such as change order review and work permit review procedures)
      • Project Progress Reviewing (Regularly evaluating the project’s progress and direction by examining factors such as completion percentage, time invested, and remaining budget)
    • Internal Training & Technology Support
      • Enhance Employee Proficiencies by Providing Regular Training Sessions (Offering educational sessions to improve worker capabilities and skills. Including both formal and informal peer-to-peer training)
      • Software/System Maintenance & Upgrading (Ensuring tools and systems remain functional and upgrading if necessary to enhance the system stability)
    • Internal Team Collaboration
      • Meetings and Workshops (Organizing and attending sessions for brainstorming and decision-making)
      • Internal Communication (Time dedicated to team communication, such as writing emails or having phone calls)
      • Feedback Loops and Iteration Processes (Revising and refining every aspect of the project based on team feedback)
    • Internal Documentation & Record Keeping
      • Document Control and Contract Management (Managing and maintaining important project files such as design coordination, meeting minutes, and contract control, not including models and drawings)
      • Field Survey and Documentation

3. External Management & Coordination

    • External Stakeholder Management
      • Create and Refine the BIM Execution Plan (This process involves arranging the essential prerequisites for modeling, delineating the roles and responsibilities, and securing the necessary clearances for the modeling activities within the framework of a BIM execution plan)
      • Gathering Feedback and Concerns (A systematic process of collecting input, opinions, critiques, and concerns from stakeholders regarding a project. Any requirements from stakeholders might cause a design change)
      • Update Project Progress (Informing stakeholders about the project’s status. This can be a formal meeting, email, or phone call)
      • Submittal management (Addressing any issues related to submittal and the time to solve the problems)
      • RFIs management (Writing and responding to RFIs and any other interaction with external people)
    • MEP Team Coordination and Collaboration
      • Model Federation and Clash Detection (Federate different models, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, into a shared modeling environment and identify all clashes; does not include the model revision caused by clashes – see Model Update and Version Control)
      • Subcontractor Management (Overseeing subcontractor performance and ensuring alignment with project standards)
      • External Meeting and Workshop (This involves setting up and participating in gatherings aimed at generating ideas and making decisions)
      • Model Coordination (Collaborating on modeling with external parties, including integrating third-party models or data into the main project model, Clash Detection, and ensuring third-party compliance with project standards and requirements

4. Fabrication Support (Refers to the preparation, management, and integration of systems for the manufacturing of the project components)

    • Preparation for Fabrication
      • Fabrication Drawing Generation and Review (Producing detailed diagrams for fabrication and installation and coordinating with manufacturers)
      • Material Specifications and Procurement (Defining materials, work packages, creating material lists, and calculating material quantities)
    • Fabrication Management
      • Workflow and Process Optimization (Creating an optimal process and timeline to fabricate materials and deliver them to the right place)
      • Resource Allocation (Manpower, Machinery, Materials) (Allocating manpower, machinery, and materials to ensure execution as planned)